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japanese catmint

Searching for "japanese catmint" in New Zealand? Whether you're looking for a lush perennial to brighten up your garden or hoping to attract bees and beneficial insects, Japanese catmint is a popular choice for gardeners who love beautiful, low-maintenance plants. While "japanese catmint" isn’t a widely recognised common name for a specific Nepeta species, many gardeners use this term to describe a variety of ornamental catmints known for their elegant foliage, long flowering season, and aromatic leaves. On this page, we’ll help you understand the features, benefits, and best uses for Japanese catmint, as well as introduce you to related catmint varieties perfect for Kiwi gardens.

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Ligustrum 'Rotundifolium'

5 from 1 customers

Ligustrum 'Rotundifolium' (Japanese Privet) is a hardy evergreen shrub admired for its rounded glossy green leaves and dense compact growth habit. This versatile plant is widely used in NZ gardens for hedging, screening, and formal planting where year round structure and privacy are desired.

From $24.77

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 1.50 m
Spread: 1.00 m
Flowering time: Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy
Garden uses: Containers, Hedging, Living areas, Pool areas, Topiary
Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Rock
Nepeta 'Blue Wonder' plant with blue flowers.

Nepeta 'Blue Wonder' (Catmint)

Nepeta 'Walker's Low' is an award winning Catmint admired for its long flowering season and aromatic grey green foliage. From late spring through autumn, it produces masses of lavender blue flowers that attract bees and butterflies to NZ gardens.

From $17.87

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Perennials
Height: 25 cm
Spread: 25 cm
Flowering time: Summer, Autumn
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Pool areas
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Modern
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Acer palmatum 'Beni Otake'

Acer palmatum 'Beni Otake' is a striking Japanese Maple admired for its narrow strap like deep red foliage that creates a bold architectural effect...

From$349.95
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Acer palmatum dissectum 'Viridis'

Acer palmatum dissectum 'Viridis' is a graceful Japanese Maple prized for its finely dissected bright green foliage and elegant cascading form. The...

From$249.95
An elegant Miscanthus sinensis grass with cream-coloured flower plumes and lush green foliage.
Miscanthus sinensis

Miscanthus sinensis is an ornamental grass that grows as a clump of narrow, arching, green leaves. The colouring gives a light silver-green effect to...

From$19.95
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Acer palmatum 'Trompenburg'

Acer palmatum 'Trompenburg' is a striking Japanese Maple admired for its deeply cut rich purple red foliage and distinctive curled leaf edges. The...

From$399.95
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Acer palmatum dissectum 'Tamukeyama'

Acer palmatum dissectum 'Tamukeyama' is one of the most admired Japanese Maples, prized for its finely dissected deep red foliage and graceful...

From$299.95
Acer palmatum 'Crimson Princess' tree with fine green foliage tinged with purple.
Acer 'Crimson Princess'

Acer palmatum 'Crimson Princess' is a stunning Japanese maple known for its deeply cut, cascading burgundy foliage that intensifies through the...

From$299.95
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Pachysandra terminalis

Pachysandra terminalis, commonly known as Japanese Spurge, is a hardy evergreen groundcover valued for its glossy dark green foliage and dense...

From$23.39
Acer palmatum 'Crimson Queen' specimen tree with purple-red cascading foliage.
Acer palmatum 'Crimson Queen'

Acer palmatum 'Crimson Queen' is a highly admired weeping Japanese maple known for its finely dissected burgundy foliage that retains rich colour...

From$299.95
Acer palmatum dissectum 'Stella Rossa' tree with fine, dark purple foliage.
Acer 'Stella Rossa'

Acer 'Stella Rossa' is a striking Japanese Maple valued for its finely dissected deep red foliage and elegant cascading growth habit. The rich...

From$399.95
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Acer palmatum 'Senkaki'

Acer palmatum 'Senkaki', commonly known as the Coral Bark Japanese Maple, is a beautiful deciduous tree prized for its brilliant coral red branches...

From$299.95
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Acer palmatum 'Osakazuki'

Acer palmatum 'Osakazuki' is a highly regarded Japanese maple famous for producing some of the most intense scarlet red autumn colour of any maple...

From$349.95
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Acer palmatum 'Fjellheim'

Acer palmatum 'Fjellheim' is a compact Japanese Maple prized for its dense upright habit, fresh green foliage, and brilliant coral red stems that...

From$399.95
Acer 'Shaina' small and round trees with elegant, dark red-purple foliage.
Acer palmatum 'Shaina'

Acer palmatum 'Shaina' is a compact Japanese maple prized for its intense crimson red foliage and naturally tidy upright habit. This deciduous tree...

From$299.95
Acer palmatum 'Red Emperor' specimen tree in a mixed planting.
Acer 'Red Emperor'

Acer 'Red Emperor' is a striking Japanese maple valued for its rich deep red foliage and strong upright form. This deciduous tree performs...

From$349.95
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Acer palmatum Ukon

Acer palmatum 'Ukon' is a distinctive Japanese Maple admired for its unusual lime green foliage that brings fresh colour to the garden. New leaves...

From$349.95
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Acer palmatum 'Shirazz'

Acer palmatum 'Shirazz' is a stunning variegated Japanese Maple admired for its rich purple red foliage edged with soft pink. The colourful leaves...

From$299.95
Acer 'Mikawa Yatsubusa' specimen tree with lush, green foliage.
Acer palmatum 'Mikawa Yatsubusa'

Acer palmatum 'Mikawa Yatsubusa' is a sought-after dwarf Japanese Maple prized for its dense, layered foliage and elegant form. Its small...

From$299.95
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Acer 'Orangeola'

Acer 'Orangeola' is a stunning weeping Japanese Maple admired for its finely cut foliage that emerges bright orange red in spring. The leaves mature...

From$349.95
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Acer 'Emerald Lace'

Acer 'Emerald Lace' is a graceful laceleaf Japanese Maple admired for its finely divided soft green foliage and elegant cascading form. The delicate...

From$349.95
Acer palmatum Hanami Nishiki tree with lush green foliage.
Acer palmatum 'Hanami Nishiki'

Acer palmatum 'Hanami Nishiki' is a beautiful Japanese Maple admired for its delicately variegated foliage that emerges with soft pink, cream, and...

From$399.95
Acer shirasawanum 'Autumn Moon' tree in a garden.
Acer shirasawanum 'Autumn Moon'

Acer shirasawanum 'Autumn Moon' is a standout Japanese maple admired for its glowing apricot and orange toned foliage that brings warmth and vibrancy...

From$299.95
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Acer 'Shindeshojo'

Acer 'Shindeshojo' is a spectacular Japanese Maple celebrated for its brilliant bright red foliage in early spring. The vivid colour gradually...

From$349.95
An Acer 'Katsura' specimen tree with orange and green foliage.
Acer 'Katsura'

Acer 'Katsura' is a stunning Japanese maple known for its brilliant apricot orange spring foliage that matures to fresh green before turning vibrant...

From$299.95
Japanese Box (Buxus microphylla) plants with lush green foliage.
Buxus microphylla (Littleleaf Boxwood)

Buxus microphylla, commonly known as Japanese Box or Littleleaf Boxwood, is a compact evergreen shrub renowned for its dense, glossy green foliage...

From$44.95
Cryptomeria japonica monstrosa nana shrub with fine, brown foliage in winter.
Cryptomeria japonica Monstrosa Nana

Cryptomeria japonica 'Monstrosa Nana' is a unique dwarf Japanese Cedar prized for its dense sculptural foliage and naturally compact rounded form...

From$27.53
Acer palmatum 'Fireglow' bright red foliage.
Acer 'Fireglow'

Acer 'Fireglow' is a striking Japanese maple prized for its brilliant deep red foliage that holds colour exceptionally well throughout the season...

From$349.95
Acer 'Coonara Pygmy' tree with green foliage and orange, new growth.
Acer palmatum 'Coonara Pygmy'

Acer palmatum 'Coonara Pygmy' is a delightful dwarf Japanese Maple known for its compact form and finely divided leaves. The foliage emerges soft...

From$299.95
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Acer palmatum 'Seiryu'

Acer palmatum 'Seiryu' is a unique Japanese Maple admired for its finely dissected foliage and upright growth habit. Unlike many laceleaf maples...

From$299.95
Acer 'Burgundy Lace' specimen tree with purple foliage.
Acer palmatum 'Burgundy Lace'

Acer palmatum 'Burgundy Lace' is a refined Japanese maple admired for its finely dissected deep burgundy foliage and graceful weeping form. This...

From$399.95
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Acer palmatum 'Ukigumo'

Acer palmatum 'Ukigumo' is a rare and highly ornamental Japanese Maple treasured for its striking white and pink variegated foliage. Often called the...

From$349.95
Ligustrum 'Rotundifolium'

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Acer, Ligustrum, and Miscanthus, or related Categories - Grasses, Groundcover Plants, and Perennials.

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What is Japanese Catmint?

Although not a true Japanese native, the term "japanese catmint" often describes resilient, border-friendly perennials in the Nepeta genus, which thrive in New Zealand's temperate climate. These plants are prized for their wavy, grey-green leaves and long spikes of blue or mauve flowers. Catmints are celebrated for their drought tolerance, pest resistance, and friendly nature towards pollinators.

If you’re looking for specific varieties, consider Nepeta mussinii (Catmint), a classic choice with tidy mounds and striking blue flowers, or Nepeta 'Walkers Low' (Catmint), which offers graceful arching stems without spreading too aggressively.

Growing Japanese Catmint in New Zealand

Japanese catmint is wonderfully suited to New Zealand's gardens thanks to its easy-going care requirements. These perennials flourish in full sun, thriving even in poorer soils as long as drainage is good. Simply plant in a sunny border, rockery, or container, and water well to establish. Once settled, they’re drought hardy and less prone to the common problems that trouble fussier perennials.

Many gardeners pair Japanese catmint with contrasting foliage plants. Ligustrum Rotundifolium (Ligustrum japonicum) is a fantastic shrub companion due to its glossy, rounded leaves and architectural form, which sets off the loose, breezy habit of catmint varieties.

Japanese Catmint: Uses and Design Ideas

Japanese catmint is incredibly versatile. Line a pathway with low-growing, flower-packed varieties like Nepeta mussinii (Catmint) for a soft, aromatic edge, or create a cottage-garden effect with taller forms such as Nepeta 'Six Hills Giant' (Catmint). For colour variation, Nepeta 'Blue Wonder' (Catmint) offers a cool blue hue that looks fantastic en masse.

Apart from beauty, Japanese catmint provides valuable nectar for bees and butterflies. It’s also an excellent choice for low hedging, mass planting, or as a subtle backdrop in mixed perennial borders.

Shop Catmint Varieties for Your Garden

While “japanese catmint” is a broad term, discover the perfect Nepeta varieties for your landscape by exploring:

Each offers beauty, resilience, and pollinator support, making Japanese catmint a brilliant addition to New Zealand gardens. Explore these options to find your ideal match and enjoy a garden bursting with colour, fragrance, and friendly garden visitors all season long.

Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

Illustration of plant leaves.
Alcantarea imperialis 'Rubra' and Buxus sempervirens (Boxwood) are popular for a reason, but it’s plants like Sequoia sempervirens (Coastal Redwood), Ophiopogon 'Silver Mist' (Silver Mondo Grass), and Koelreuteria paniculata that create a truly unique garden.
–The Plant Company

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